Mark Hughes

The promise that became Herbalife

The depth of Mark’s commitment and the strength of his vision came from personal tragedy–his mother died from unsafe dieting at the age of 36. Although he was only a teenager at the time, Mark made a promise to find a way to help people lose weight safely. He was determined to develop a nutritionally sound program that could produce life-changing results and share it with the world. Mark’s positive attitude kept him striving daily toward his goals. As he said, “Just do the best you possibly can. Tomorrow morning, when you get up out of bed, do a little bit better than that. The next day after that, do a little bit better than that.” This can-do attitude inspired others to join Mark in spreading good nutrition around the world.

Making his vision a reality

Mark’s passion for developing a safe and effective weight-loss program took him to China, where he studied the nutritional benefits of herbs. When he returned to the United States, he brought together a team of respected medical and nutritional experts to create Herbalife’s breakthrough products. In 1980, Herbalife launched with a handful of exceptional products. Mark was Herbalife’s first Distributor and, at first, literally sold the products out of the trunk of his car. “The products are what get you an emotional experience. It’s the glow in their eye; it’s the way that they feel; it’s the excitement and the way that they act,” Mark said. He wholeheartedly believed in the value of the products.

As people tried the products and experienced amazing results, the business quickly expanded, and Mark rented office space and developed a network of Distributors who were inspired by his vision, were equally passionate about the products and who were excited about the business opportunity. Mark believed in the power of people to change their lives and encouraged others to share that belief. “Have the faith in your organization to know that it’s going to work,” he said.

Along with the business, Herbalife’s product line grew to include personal care products, so Herbalife customers could enjoy the unique benefits of a complete, personalized program for a lifetime of well-being.

Mark said: “Through your efforts, people are discovering new worlds of opportunity and an eternal hope for the future.” Those who had the opportunity to meet Mark will tell you how he personally inspired them to commit themselves to the business and reach greater heights. Mark had an amazing gift for words and he touched people from all walks of life through his faith in people’s ability to change lives, starting with their own. An outstanding speaker and motivator, Mark moved people with his vision of a healthier world and his example that one person can truly make a difference. As Mark said, “care more about others and you will be taken care of.”

The dream continues

Although Mark passed away twenty years after founding Herbalife, his vision for changing people’s lives is stronger than ever. Today, there are over one million Herbalife Distributors in 60 countries, striving to make their dreams of financial independence come true. As we embark on our next 25 years, Mark’s words continue to ring true: “I am convinced the future will be brilliant beyond compare.”